The fin whale is the only whale species regularly found in the Mediterranean Sea, with a year around presence. However, the aquatic environment and the whale’s diving behavior have posed challenges to studying this marine mammal. The increasing use of drones in cetacean research has significantly enhanced our understanding of the species. Drones provide the ability to quickly and discreetly fly over the whales, minimizing the disturbance, while capturing high-quality footage that enables the observation of their behavior and characteristic features used for identification, as well as supporting morphometric analysis. Additionally, drones can assist in collecting blow samples and guiding research vessels for closer, more effective approaches to conduct biopsies, collect fecal samples, or deploy tagging devices. This technological advancement has greatly contributed to a deeper understanding of fin whales, offering valuable insights into the health of the population.
Keywords: drones, cetacean, fin whale, identification, behavior, health, morphometrics, sampling, population.
